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The Old Gun
Le Vieux Fusil
1975 103 min France, Germany R 18+
★7.5
Drama, History
Director: Robert Enrico
Trailers
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Description
In Montauban in 1944, Julien Dandieu is a surgeon in the local hospital. Frightened by the German army entering Montauban, he asks his friend Francois to drive his wife and his daughter in the back country village where Julien has an old castle. One week later, Julien decides to meet them for the week end, but the Germans are already occupying the village.
Starring
Philippe Noiret
Actor
Romy Schneider
Actor
Jean Bouise
Actor
Awards
César Awards 1976
— Best Picture
César Awards 1976
— Best Actor
César Awards 1976
— Best Original Score
César Awards 1976
— Best Supporting Actor
César Awards 1976
— Best Director
César Awards 1976
— Best Cinematography
César Awards 1976
— Best Sound
César Awards 1976
— Best Screenplay
César Awards 1976
— Best Film Editing
Key opinion
Le Vieux Fusil is widely regarded as a powerful, emotionally charged exploration of revenge and wartime trauma, anchored by the compelling performance of Philippe Noiret. While most viewers praise its somber atmosphere and thematic resonance, some critics view it as a formulaic or manipulative take on the genre compared to more gritty alternatives.
| Acting | Philippe Noiret delivers a convincing and sincere performance, effectively portraying the transition of a peaceful surgeon into a determined avenger. | |
| Score | The film’s score by François de Roubaix successfully juxtaposes nostalgic, melancholic melodies with the harsh reality of the protagonist's violent mission. | |
| Screenplay | The use of contrasting flashbacks between a serene pre-war life and the brutal occupation creates an effective emotional foundation for the narrative. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the film's narrative realism are divided; some find the story of an everyman’s solitary revenge against an SS unit deeply immersive, while others find the tactical elements and specific plot points contrived or implausible. | |
| Theme | The film’s approach to its subject matter is debated; supporters see it as a poignant, non-trivial look at civilian trauma, whereas detractors argue it relies on manipulative, simplistic emotional tropes that simplify complex historical realities. |